This is a recording of a recent live teleclass I did with thousands of kids from all over the world. I’ve included it here so you can participate and learn!


Discover the world of clean, renewable energy that scientists are developing today! Explore how they are harnessing the energy of tides and waves, lean how cars can run on just sunlight and water, tour a hydroelectric power plant, visit the largest wind farms on the planet, and more! You’ll learn how streets are being designed to generate electricity, how teenagers are making jet fuel from pond scum in their garage, and how 70 million tons of salt can provide free, clean energy 24 hours a day forever! During class, you’ll learn how to bake solar cookies, magni-fry marshmallows and do the experiment with light Einstein won a Nobel prize for that is the basis of all photovoltaic energy today.


Materials:


  • One cup each: hot (not boiling), cold, and room temperature water
  • Cardboard box, shoebox size or larger.
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic wrap (like Saran wrap or Cling wrap)
  • Hot glue, razor, scissors, tape
  • Wooden skewers (BBQ-style)
  • Black construction paper
  • Cookie dough (your favorite kind!)
  • Chocolate, large marshmallows, & graham crackers if you want to make s’mores! If not, try just the large marshmallow.
  • Large page magnifier (also called a Fresnel lens, found at drug stores or places that also sell reading glasses, or at Amazon.com)
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Comments

22 Responses to “Special Science Teleclass: Renewable & Alternative Energy”

  2. elisabeth_hill says:

    Hi Aurora,
    I love this topic. Is there a worksheet for these activities?

  4. I can not find the sterling engine project. I would really like to do that experiment. Is it possible if you add the link in your response. Also I learnt that by turning a moter you can make a light bulb glow. Instead of having a LED on the other side of the moter can I use a rechargeable battery. That way if my power goes out I can put a propeller on the moter and put out side to charge a battery for flashlight.

  5. I’ll have Tonya connect with you right away!

  6. worou52yufei says:

    This section contains advanced content.
    Unfortunately it looks like you don`t currently have access to it

    Please note that this may be grade 9-12 content and you are only enrolled in the K-8 program. Just contact us if you would like to upgrade.

    If you are using the Ultimate Science Curriculum, you may not have access to this volume of it.

    Hi, I am getting this message at the bottom of material lists. My membership should include 9-12 content. How can i get the access. Thank you.

  7. Hi Maryna! Yes the lens should face the sun, and you’ll need to play with the distance between the marshmallow and the lens so it roasts it in a matter of seconds. The foil will concentrate the heat energy and add to the increased temperature for cooking the marshmallow (or whatever else you can think of to cook!). A normal magnifying lens will not work as well (refer to this page for a thorough explanation of the difference between the two: http://modulatedlight.org/optical_comms/fresnel_lens_comparison.html), because it will burn a spot on the marshmallow instead of roasting the entire marshmallow, however if this is all you have available, then definitely use the magnifier over nothing at all.

  8. Maryna Moolman says:

    We followed this class of the Renewable class that was broadcasted. I had a hard time finding the lense (I am in SA – can’t believe not even our biggest stationary suppliers had these) Anway.
    The kids finally build the roasters, but I don’t get it, something we doing it wrong? Must the lense face the sun? Do we just leave it upright with the marshmallow to the back or must we position (angle)the box so you can see the sun shining on the marshmallow. If it is the latter, what is the use of the foil in the box then, then one just may as well use a normal magnifying class to “burn” the marshmallow.
    Or are we doing the entire thing wrong?

  9. No, because the Science Mastery program was created before this project, so it was added to the online portion after. And they are really easy and inexpensive to find (anywhere that sells reading glasses will have these for a couple of dollars.)

  10. You’ll find it in this section – Unit 12, Lesson 2. It’s the alternative energy wind turbine project.

  11. Audrey Dascomb says:

    Does the Fresnel lens come with the Gold package?

  12. Audrey Dascomb says:

    At about 8:05 in this video you reference/show another experiment – where can I find that one?

  13. Sure! Use a pair of strong scissors or sharp razor with adult help.

  14. Michelle Stevens says:

    Can I cut a Fresnel lens?

  15. It sounds like the distance between the lens and the food needs to be adjusted. Take the marshmallow off the box, and keeping it on the skewer, move it closer and further away until it toasts quickly.

  16. Susan Rizzo says:

    I attended your webinar on this experiment. I finally have all my materials and tried this today. The marshmallow did not toast, but the chocolate somewhat melted. How can I get back to the link you offered to review you building the oven? Where did I go wrong?

  17. No, they actually do different things for this experiment. Wait until you have the correct lens for making this project. 🙂

  18. Michelle Stevens says:

    Is it possible to use a magnifying glass instead of a Fresnel lens?

  20. Irenio and Deena Mateo says:

    what is the difference between hawaii time and pacific time?

  21. Good question! That video is in a couple of different places because it covers a lot of different areas in science, including how to make energy from fuels, wind, water, heat sources, and the sun… all of which are under the heading of “Earth Science”.

  22. Lola Hunjul says:

    Dear Aurora

    Why do we have basic Alternative energy under Earth science of this grade?